Explore York welcomed a group of travel writers, historians, dignitaries, and tourism partners to York County on Friday, Sept. 25, for a Civil War Trails Familiarization (FAM) Tour highlighting the stories, sites, and attractions that tie York County to the broader Civil War Trails Inc. national program.

The full-day experience gave guests an inside look at several Civil War Trails markers throughout the county while showcasing some of York County’s unique heritage attractions. The group was joined by Chris Brown and Ashley Bassetti of Civil War Trails Inc., who helped bring the stories behind the markers to life and shared insight into the significance of the multi-state program.

The group traveled on the new York County wrapped Bailey Coach bus and included a scenic ride aboard the Northern Central Railway of York, a visit to Dills Tavern featuring a Cherry Bounce tasting, and a stop at the Mifflin House property. Along the way, participants explored the people, places, and events that shaped York County during a pivotal period in American history.

The tour also celebrated Explore York’s ongoing commitment to sharing the stories of the Civil War throughout York County. In 2023, Explore York awarded a $36,000 expansion grant to support the installation of 11 new interpretive markers across the county. Pennsylvania participates in this multi-state program that features more than 1,500 interpretive sites across six states.

“Our involvement with Civil War Trails, Inc. gives us another way to share York County’s stories with visitors while encouraging them to explore the communities, attractions, and businesses surrounding these sites,” said Melissa Beaverson, Explore York’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications and a Civil War Trails Regional Director representing Pennsylvania. “This tour was a great opportunity to celebrate this grant-funded project and show our guests how these markers can be the starting point for a richer York County experience.”

By pairing historic sites with rail excursions, museums, local attractions, and other tourism experiences, the Civil War Trails program gives visitors even more reasons to spend time exploring York County. The FAM tour also provided participating travel professionals with firsthand experiences they can share with audiences beyond the region.

Explore York continues to invest in projects that strengthen York County’s tourism offerings, expand visitor experiences, and inspire more travelers to explore York County.

About Explore York:

Explore York’s mission is to maximize tourism expenditures and their economic impact in York County, PA, through comprehensive tourism sales and marketing programs. Explore York’s vision is for a York County where tourism is recognized for the value of its economic impact and its role in raising the profile of York County as a sought-after destination. For more information on Explore York, visit YorkPA.org.